Brain
- a Paralytic attack: Chances increase seven-fold. Weak blood vessels could rupture leading to ‘brain haemorrhage’. Hardening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis) can limit blood flow to the brain resulting in a ‘brain infarct.’
- b Hypertensive encephalopathy: Occurs when very high BP coincides with altered level of consciousness, seizures, swelling of the main nerve supply to the eye or raised brain fluid pressure. Causes brain damage.
Retinopathy
Heart
- a Angina / heart attack: 3-fold increased risk. Coronary blood vessels harden, limiting blood flow to already thickened heart muscle.
- b Heart failure: 6-fold increased risk. Enlargement of the heart muscle from chronically high BP leads to a weak, dilated chamber.
Kidney
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Weakness in the wall of the aorta causes it to balloon out into a sac, in turn ruptures it, causing severe back pain and may result in sudden death.
Erectile Dysfunction
Disturbance of blood flow to the penis reduces its rigidity, delaying achievement of full erection. But certain BP lowering pills (especially thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers) have also been associated with this side-effect.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Hardening of the major arteries supplying the legs causes pain on walking and if neglected, may require amputation of the toes/feet.
Pregnancy-Related Complications
- a Maternal: Chronic hypertension in the mother is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia in which blood supply to the growing foetus is further restricted. The pregnant mother is at risk of seizures and long-term kidney disease.
- b Foetal: Growth retardation and premature birth.
